Orr Royal Slope Red: The Washington Wine Putting Workers First
Most winery stories highlight glossy tasting rooms and pristine vineyards. This one starts in Woodinville—over 100 miles from Eastern Washington’s vines—and ends with real support for the people who make wine possible. Winemaker Erica Orr has been quietly turning unsold grapes into healthcare dollars for Stillwater Creek Vineyard workers, and the result is a small-batch red with a big conscience.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another headline—it’s a signal of where the wine news is headed. Paying attention now could save you money, introduce you to your next favorite bottle, or simply make you the most interesting person at your next dinner party.
As reported by Northwest Wine Report, Orr asked a simple question during the pandemic: how could she use her skill set to help? “I thought, well, I know how to make wine,” Orr said (Northwest Wine Report, Sean P. Sullivan). That became Orr Royal Slope Red, a philanthropic bottling whose proceeds fund dental screenings, vision and hearing tests, blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, and vaccinations via the Columbia Basin Health Association’s Othello Clinic—earmarked exclusively for Stillwater Creek workers.
Key Takeaways
- Price points mentioned range from $33,000 to $33,000, offering options for various budgets.
- Key themes: Washington wine, Royal Slope, Erica Orr—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Style Snapshot: Washington Red, Royal Slope Roots
Region/Appellation: Royal Slope (Stillwater Creek Vineyard), Washington State. The Royal Slope AVA is known for generous sun, diurnal temperature swings, and well-drained slopes—prime conditions for ripe yet balanced reds.
Grape Variety: The launch vintage (2020) drew on Merlot donated by Stillwater Creek. Subsequent bottlings remain small production and blend-driven; think Washington red in the dry, medium-to-full-bodied lane rather than a single-variety spotlight.
Production Notes: Orr makes four to five barrels annually. DIAM donates the corks. You can find the wine at PCC across locations, Leschi Market, select Thriftways (Ballinger, Morgan), Town & Country (Mill Creek), and via the Orr Wines website.
Style Direction: Expect a classic Washington profile—dry, structured, fruit-forward reds with fresh acidity. That’s the region’s calling card, even if we’re not diving into specific tasting notes here.
Why This Matters: Beyond the Bottle
Woodinville’s distance from vineyard life is real; fruit gets trucked in, while fieldwork happens far away and often out of sight. Orr’s candor hits: “Especially being in Woodinville, it’s easy for me to ignore vineyard workers,” she told Northwest Wine Report. Instead, she leaned in—asking Stillwater Creek’s Ed Kelly to donate unsold grapes and commissioning artist Christie Tirado to create label art that actually depicts the workers at Stillwater Creek. Form meets function, and the label tells the story.
Initially, finding the right recipient proved tricky. Orr looked to models like Vital Wines in Walla Walla, Salud! in Willamette Valley, and the Napa Valley Farm Workers Foundation—all credible, proven playbooks. The Stillwater team conducted a needs assessment and learned, well, everything was needed. The Othello Clinic then created a dedicated Vineyard Worker Health Day (recurring since 2023) with services tailored to the people tending Stillwater Creek. To date, Orr Wines has donated $33,000. That’s not just feel-good marketing—it’s measurable care.
Zooming out, the Washington wine scene has matured into a patchwork of AVAs with distinctive personality—Royal Slope included. But terroir doesn’t mean much without the hands that prune, pick, and sort. As Orr put it, “We could not do what we do without them” (Northwest Wine Report, Sean P. Sullivan). It’s a crisp truth, like well-timed acidity balancing a ripe vintage.
Common Knowledge vs. This Story’s Angle
Common knowledge: Washington red blends (often Merlot-led) give plush fruit, reliable structure, and an everyday luxury vibe. This bottle keeps that accessible ethos but changes the calculus—every sip funds care for the people who grow it. If you’re the type to ask where your dollars go, this is the kind of label you want in your rotation.
Availability matters too. Seeing it at PCC and community markets like Leschi and Town & Country bridges niche philanthropy with mainstream shelves. This isn’t a vanity project in a mailing list silo; it’s a bottle that shows up where regular shoppers do.
Best Occasion + Pairing Direction
Best occasion: A weeknight dinner when you want a smart, purpose-driven pour—something you feel good serving to friends who ask thoughtful questions.
Best pairing direction: Lean into savory comfort: grilled meats, mushroom pizza, or a simple bean-and-herb stew. Washington reds love umami and herbs; keep sauces honest and not too sweet.
In short, Orr Royal Slope Red is a reminder that wine can be delicious and do the right thing. If your buying intent blends flavor with values, this bottle earns a spot. Better yet, it keeps the spotlight on vineyard workers—the backbone of every “handcrafted” claim—without screaming for attention. Quiet impact, solid wine, clear purpose.
Reported by Northwest Wine Report, original article by Sean P. Sullivan.